Plectranthus amboinicus fraction having anti-arthritis activity

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an extract of  Plectranthus amboinicus  (Lour.) Spreng enriching anti-arthritis activity, which is obtained by eluting the crude extract of  Plectranthus amboinicus  (Lour.) Spreng using 50%-95% alcoholic solution or solvents such as hexane and/or ethyl acetate. Also provided is a method for treating arthritis comprising such extract.

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C 119 (a) of TaiwanApplication No. 100142840, filed Nov. 22, 2011, the entire content ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a plant extract, which in particular,is a fraction of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng enrichinganti-arthritis activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Arthritis is the most common autoimmune disease. The hallmarks of thedisease are inflammation of the synovial tissues with progressiveerosion of bone leading to malalignment of the joint and disability. Thepersistent nature of arthritis suggests that not only local but alsosystemic immune dysfunction, consisting in predominance of thepro-inflammatory response and over production of inflammatory cells andinflammatory substances, such as CD4+ T cells, B cells and inflammatorycytokines. All of which cause long-term destruction to joint tissues. Itis generally believed that the infection of a host by unknown exogenouspathogen initiates the course of arthritis through activating T cells,thereby inducing multiple reactions such as the activation of monocytes,macrophages, and directly stimulating the proliferation of synovial andendothelial cells, as well as the production of inflammatory cytokines,protease, and antibody. Further, inflammatory cytokines have beenimplicated in the arthritis diseases progression. For example, TNF-α isa key player in the proinflammatory cytokine cascade by stimulating theproduction of prostaglandin E, collagenase as well as other cytokinessuch as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). TNF-α and IL-1βalso stimulate the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases and exert adirect effect on the multiple tissues inside the joint includingchondrocytes, macrophages, synovial fibroblasts, and osteoclasts leadinglocalized joint destruction. On the other hand, IL-6 can furtherincrease inflammatory cells in the joint tissue, stimulate theproliferation of osteoclasts and strengthen the role of IL-1β. Overall,the substantial cross-talk between pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17 is essential to induce joint destruction,chondrocyte inhibition, and disturbance for restoration of degeneratedtissues in arthritis. Therefore, aside from the traditionalimmunosuppressive agents and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, thecurrent clinical majority is to develop biological antagonistsspecifically aiming at the above-mentioned inflammatory factors orcells, such as TNF-α and IL-6 antagonists, to reduce or prevent jointdamage and maintain functionality. However, such therapy is invasive,and the efficacy may subsequently fades. Moreover, at least half of thearthritis patients are not response to the combination of traditionalarthritis drugs and biological agents. Therefore, it is important todevelop new, convenient, safe and effective therapeutics.

Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, a perennial herb mainlyoriginated from Malaysia, Brazil, China and India, belongs to theLabiatae family, the alias of which are Agastache rugosa, Lysimachiacapillipes Hemsl, Spearmint, Patchouly, Indian peppermint, or PogostemonCablin. Plectranthus amboinicus has leaves that are thick, opposite,widely ovate, toothed on the margin of a little volume with apex roundedor pure sharp. The herb is about 15 to 30 cm high, covered with finehairs, and carries a strong pungent smell. According to historicalrecords, Plectranthus amboinicus is a type of Chinese herbal medicinewith the efficacy to prevent colds, strengthen body immunity, and reducesymptoms such as ear swelling, inflammation, and fever. As a traditionalChinese medicine, it is anti-inflammatory, carminative and capable ofdetoxification and relieving symptoms like fever, tonsillitis, sorethroat, pneumonia, chills and heat, headache, nausea of chest andabdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, feeble stomach, spleen cold and others.Fresh juice of Plectranthus amboinicus is also effective for abrasions,cuts, burns, insect bites, unknown swelling, boils and sores, earinflammation, sore throat, swollen poison, bruises and the like. It alsohas considerable effects on skin problems caused by microorganisms, suchas seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, acne, allergies, dry skin, scalpfolliculitis, and significant effects on the skin whitening, fatigueelimination, and removal of a variety of skin ringworm.

Taiwan Patent Application No. 092135016 disclosed a method to preparecrude extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng comprisingsteps of: (a) pressing the plant leaves to obtain juice; (b) addingalcohol to the juice of step (a) to reach a final alcohol concentrationat 70-80%, and then placing at a low temperature; (c) adjusting the pHvalue of the alcohol-containing juice of step (b) to pH5.0 ˜7.0, andthen placing at a low temperature; (d) filtering to remove theimpurities in the alcohol-containing juice of step (c); (e) distillingand concentrating the resulted pure juice in step (d) to collect thedistillate, and adjusting the pH value of such distillate to pH5.0˜7.0;and (f) vacuum filtering the distillate in step (e) to obtain dark brownand clear extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus.

Taiwan Patent Application No. 093134346 provided a water extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus leaf having the efficacy to treat cancer and/ortumor which has a molecular weight more than 50 kD.

Taiwan Patent Application No. 086118191 also disclosed a type of waterextract of Pogostemon cablin or Agastache rugosa capable of preventingand treating infection by Haemophilus influenzae. The preparation ofsuch extract involves an elution by a reagent composed of 90.5% ethanol,4.5% methanol and 5.0% isopropanol.

In addition, Taiwan Patent Application No. 096145943, i.e. TaiwanInvention Patent No. 1-335225, also provided an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus (Lour.) Spreng for treating skin disorders and promotingwound healing, in particular, wound healing in patients with diabetes.The invention as disclosed in this patent is characterized by the use ofa combination of the solid-liquid separation (stir separation) andspecific processing, which comprises stiffing adsorption resin (e.g.DIAION) in the extract of Plectranthus amboinicus, and isolating variousfractions of such extract by using different solvents in respectiveseparation steps.

Also, Taiwan Patent Application No. 095134243, i.e. Invention Patent No.1320714, disclosed a water extract of Plectranthus Amboinicus Benthhaving the efficacy to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The extract wassoaked in an appropriate amount of high-polar solvent, filtered,condensed under reduced pressure by a rotary concentrator, diluted in asolvent, and then separated by in a column Optionally, four segments ofdifferent solvents from high polarity to low polarity (referred to ashigh-polar solvent, sub high-polar solvent, medium-polar solvent andlow-polar solvent) could be used for elution continuously.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on a further development and improvementof the processes for preparing a Plectranthus amboinicus extract, which,unexpectedly, exhibited high anti-arthritis activities. Particularly,such extract is prepared by eluting the crude extract of Plectranthusamboinicus (Lour.) Spreng by 50%˜95% alcoholic solution, or by anormal-phase chromatography.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus enriching anti-arthritis activity, which ischaracterized by having an absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at retentiontime of about 45 min in a HPLC pattern detected at a wavelength of about320 nm.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the extract of Plectranthusamboinicus enriching anti-arthritis activity is characterized by that:said extract was obtained by eluting the crude extract of Plectranthusamboinicus using 50%˜95% alcoholic solution, preferably using 70%˜95%alcoholic solution, and more preferably using about 95% alcoholicsolution. In examples of the instant invention, the alcoholic solutionis ethanol.

In another embodiment of this invention, the extract of Plectranthusamboinicus enriching anti-arthritis activity is obtained by eluting thecrude extract of Plectranthus amboinicus in a normal phasechromatography using hexane as a first solvent and hexane/ethyl acetateas a second solvent.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparingan extract of Plectranthus amboinicus enriching anti-arthritis activitycomprising extracting the plant or dried powder of Plectranthusamboinicus in a solvent to obtain a crude extract, and eluting theresulted crude extract by a chromatography using 50%˜95% alcoholicsolution to isolate an extract enriching anti-arthritis activity.

According to one embodiment of this invention, it is preferable to elutethe resulted crude extract using 70%˜95% alcoholic solution, and morepreferably using about 95% alcoholic solution, to isolate an extractenriching anti-arthritis activity.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides a method forpreparing an extract of Plectranthus amboinicus enriching anti-arthritisactivity comprising extracting the plant or dried powder of Plectranthusamboinicus in a solvent to obtain a crude extract, and eluting theresulted crude extract by a normal phase chromatography using hexane asa first solvent and hexane/ethyl acetate as a second solvent to isolatean extract enriching anti-arthritis activity.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the resulted extractenriching anti-arthritis activity can be further eluted by solvents suchas ethyl acetate, ethyl acetate/methanol, and/or methanol.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method forpreventing or treating arthritis comprising administrating to a subjectin need thereof an effective amount of the extract of Plectranthusamboinicus enriching anti-arthritis activity as described herein.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition for preventing or treating arthritis comprising atherapeutically effective amount of an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus enriching anti-arthritis activity as described herein, and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe description below. Other features or advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent from the following detailed description ofseveral embodiments, and also from the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction withthe appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention,there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presentlypreferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the preferred embodiments shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a HPLC pattern of ON-024 detected at a wavelength of 200 nm,in which there are six absorption peaks at retention times of 13, 20,21, 27, 37 and 39 min.

FIG. 2 is a HPLC pattern of ON-024 detected at a wavelength of 320 nm,in which there is an absorption peak of Caffeic acid at retention timeof 13 min, an absorption peak of Rosmarinic acid at 27 min, and anabsorption peak at 35 min.

FIG. 3 is a HPLC pattern of ON-025 detected at a wavelength of 200 nm,in which there is an absorption peak at retention time of 45 min, and anabsorption peak of Carvacrol at 55 min.

FIG. 4 is a HPLC pattern of ON-025 detected at a wavelength of 320 nm,in which there are eight absorption peaks at retention time of 39-43 minand an absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at 45 min.

FIG. 5 is a HPLC pattern of ON-066 detected at a wavelength of 200 nm,in which there is an absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at retention time of45 min and an absorption peak of Carvacrol at 55 min.

FIG. 6 is a HPLC pattern of ON-066 detected at a wavelength of 320 nm,in which there is an absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at retention time of45 min and an absorption peak of Salvigenin at 62 min.

FIG. 7 is a HPLC pattern of ON-080 detected at a wavelength of 200 nm,in which there is an absorption peak of Carvacrol at retention time of55 min.

FIG. 8 is a HPLC pattern of ON-080 detected at a wavelength of 320 nm,in which there are three absorption peaks at retention time of 18-21min, three absorption peaks at 37-41 min, two absorption peaks at 43-45min, an absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at 45 min, four absorption peaksat 50-54 min, and an absorption peak of Salvigenin at 62 min.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions will control.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, reference to “a sample” includes a plurality of such samplesand equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art.

As used herein, the term “to prevent” or “preventing” shall generallyrefer to different degrees of stoppage of action or progress. To preventis to lessen the degree or to stop something effectually, or both. Theterm “treatment” or “treating,” as used herein, refers to improvingconditions.

The term “therapeutically effective amount,” as used herein, refers tothe amount of components of the composition or the pharmaceuticalcomposition of the invention alone or in combination with othermedicaments that could provide therapeutical benefits in treatment.

The present invention provides an extract of Plectranthus amboinicusenriching anti-arthritis activity, which is characterized by having anabsorption peak of Cirsmaritin at retention time of about 45 min in aHPLC pattern detected at a wavelength of about 320 nm. This can beobtained by eluting the crude extract using 50%˜95% alcoholic solutionor by a normal phase chromatography. The resulted eluate is different tothe known extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus in that it is enrichedwith anti-arthritis activity and thus capable of treating or preventingarthritis.

According to the present invention, when the extract of Plectranthusamboinicus enriching anti-arthritis activity is isolated by eluting thecrude extract as described here using 50%˜95% alcoholic solution, thereis an absorption peak at retention time of about 45 min and anabsorption peak of Carvacrol at about 55 min in a HPLC pattern detectedat a wavelength of about 200 nm, as shown in FIG. 3; there are also 8absorption peaks at retention time of 39-43 min and an absorption peakof Cirsmaritin at about 45 min in a HPLC pattern detected at awavelength of about 320 nm, as shown in FIG. 4.

According to the present invention, when the extract of Plectranthusamboinicus enriching anti-arthritis activity is isolated by eluting thecrude extract as described herein using 70%˜95% alcoholic solution,there is an absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at retention time of about 45min and an absorption peak of Carvacrol at about 55 min in a HPLCpattern detected at a wavelength of about 200 nm, as shown in FIG. 5;there are also one absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at retention time ofabout 45 min and one absorption peak of Salvigenin at about 62 min in aHPLC pattern detected at a wavelength of about 320 nm, as shown in FIG.6.

According to the present invention, when the extract of Plectranthusamboinicus enriching anti-arthritis activity is isolated by using anormal phase chromatography, there is one absorption peak of Carvacrolat retention time of about 55 min in a HPLC pattern detected at awavelength of about 200 nm, as shown in FIG. 7; there are also threeabsorption peaks at retention time of 18-21 min, three absorption peaksat retention time of 37-41 min, two absorption peaks at 43-45 min, oneabsorption peak of Cirsmaritin at about 45 min, four absorption peaks at50-54 min, and one absorption peak of Salvigenin at about 62 min in aHPLC pattern detected at a wavelength of about 320 nm, as shown in FIG.8.

In the present invention, the extract of Plectranthus amboinicusenriching anti-arthritis activity can be isolated by a chromatography,which comprises steps of: extracting the plant or dried powder ofPlectranthus amboinicus in a solvent to obtain a crude extract, andeluting the resulted crude extract by a chromatography using 50%˜95%alcoholic solution to isolate an extract enriching anti-arthritisactivity.

In one embodiment of this invention, it is preferable to elute the crudeextract as described herein by 70%˜95% alcoholic solution, or morepreferably by about 95% alcoholic solution. According to this invention,the alcoholic solution for elution may be methanol or ethanol. In apreferred embodiment of the instant invention, ethanol is used.

Further provided is a method for preparing an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus enriching anti-arthritis activity comprising extracting theplant or dried powder of Plectranthus amboinicus in a solvent to obtaina crude extract, and eluting the resulted crude extract by a normalphase chromatography using hexane as a first solvent and hexane/ethylacetate as a second solvent to isolate an extract enrichinganti-arthritis activity. According to one embodiment of this invention,the volume ratio of hexane to ethyl acetate in the solvent “hexane/ethylacetate” is 1:1.

According to the present invention, Plectranthus amboinicus to beextracted can be in any forms as desired, including but not limited to,a fresh or dried plant. It is preferably to extract the plant in theform of powder. The crude extract of the plant can be obtained by any ofthe known processes, for example, extracting in a solvent, including butnot limited to, alcoholic solution. According to one embodiment of thepresent invention, about 95% ethanol solution is used.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, about 95% ethanolsolution can be used to obtain a crude extract, and 70%—95% ethanolsolution can be further used in a chromatography to elute and isolate anextract enriching anti-arthritis activity.

In another embodiment of the present invention, about 95% ethanolsolution can be used to obtain a crude extract, and hexane can befurther used in a normal phase chromatography to elute and isolate anextract enriching anti-arthritis activity.

The extraction process as described herein can be carried out with otherappropriate condensation or purification procedures, for example, drycondensation, decompression condensation and freeze-drying.

According to this invention, tests on the rats with arthritisdemonstrate that the extract of the instant invention is enriched withanti-arthritis activity. Therefore, the present invention furtherprovides a method for preventing or treating arthritis comprisingadministrating to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of theextract as described herein.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition forpreventing or treating arthritis comprising a therapeutically effectiveamount of the extract enriching anti-arthritis activity as describedherein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

An effective amount of the extract enriching anti-arthritis activity ina pharmaceutical composition of this invention for treating arthritis is0.5-10 g/day.

The most suitable route and dosage for treatment will be easilydetermined by those skilled in the art. Dosage will depend on the natureand states of the symptoms being treated, ages and general physicalconditions of the patient being treated, administration route and anytherapies practiced previously.

The term “carrier” or “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,” as usedherein, refers to the diluents, excipients, acceptable agents or thelike that are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art and canbe used in the preparation of pharmaceutical composition.

The composition of the invention can be delivered through any medicallyacceptable route, such as orally, parentally e.g. intramuscularly,intravenously, subcutaneously, interperitoneally, transdermally, byrectum or inhalation, or vaginal, ocular or nasal routes. Thepharmaceutical composition delivered parentally can be in any forms asdesired, including but not limited to, solution, suspension, emulsion,and solid injectable composition that is able to dissolve or suspend ina solvent immediately after use. The injectable solution can be preparedby dissolving, suspending, or emulsifying one or more active agents in adiluent. Some examples of the said diluent are distilled water forinjection, saline, mineral oils, alcohols, and a combination thereof.The injectable solution can also contain stabilizers, solvents,suspending agents, emulsifying agents, smoothing agents, buffer,preservatives and others. The injectable solution is prepared bysterilization in the final preparation step or by sterile procedures.The pharmaceutical composition of the invention can also be prepared assterile solid preparations by, for example, freeze-drying, and can besterilized immediately before use or dissolved in sterile injectablewater or other sterile diluents.

The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can also bedelivered orally, the form of which can be solid or liquid. Solidcompositions include tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules and thelike. Oral compositions also include gargles and lozenges. Capsulesinclude hard and soft capsules. In such oral solid compositions, one ormore active compounds can be used alone or in combination with diluents,chelating agents, disintegrating agents, lubricants, stabilizers, andcosolvents, to form preparations with known methods subsequently. Whenneeded, such preparations can be coated with a coating agent, or two ormore coating agents. In another aspect, oral liquid compositions includepharmaceutically acceptable liquid solutions, suspensions, emulsions,syrups, medicated wine, and the like. In such compositions, one or moreactive compounds can be dissolved, suspended or emulsified in universaldiluent (e.g. purified water, ethanol or a combination thereof). Exceptfor such diluent, the above composition can also contain wetting agents,suspending agent, emulsifiers, sweeteners, flavoring agents, spices,preservatives, buffer and the like.

The specific examples below are to be construed as merely illustrative,and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any waywhatsoever.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the artcan, based on the description herein, utilize the present invention toits fullest extent. All publications cited herein are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

Examples of Preparation Example 1 Extract Isolated by 50%˜95% EthanolSolution

Preliminary Extraction:

An appropriate amount of dried Plectranthus amboinicus was extracted in95% ethanol solution to obtain a first filtrate. The first filtrate wasthen filtered to further obtain a residue, which in turn was extractedagain in 95% ethanol solution to obtain a second filtrate. Subsequently,the first and the second filtrates were combined and condensed to 1/20of its original volume under reduced pressure to produce a condensedliquor.

Column Chromatography:

The resulted condensed liquor was separated with a HP-20 column Briefly,the condensed liquor mixed thoroughly with RO water was applied into thecolumn, followed by passing through the column RO water of four times ofthe column volume to collect a first eluate. Then, a second eluate wascollected by further passing through the column with a solution composedof RO water of four times of the column volume and 95% ethanol in aratio of 1:1 (v/v). The second eluate was then condensed under reducedpressure and freeze-dried to produce an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus, designated as ON-024, i.e. a control sample extracted in0%˜50% ethanol solution.

Subsequently, a third eluate was collected by passing through the columnwith 95% ethanol solution of four times of the column volume, afterwhich it was condensed under reduced pressure and freeze-dried toproduce an extract of Plectranthus amboinicus, designated as ON-025,i.e. an extract isolated by 50%˜95% ethanol solution.

Further, a fourth eluate was collected by subsequently passing throughthe column with ethyl acetate, after which it was condensed underreduced pressure and freeze-dried to obtain an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus isolated by ethyl acetate.

Example 2 Extract Isolated by 50%˜95% Ethanol Solution

Column Chromatography:

The resulted condensed liquor as prepared in Preliminary Extraction ofExample 1 was separated with a HP-20 column Briefly, the condensedliquor mixed thoroughly with RO water was applied into the column,followed by passing two times of the column volume of RO water throughthe column to collect a first eluate. Then, a second eluate wascollected by further passing through the column with a solution composedof two times of the column volume of RO water and 95% ethanol in a ratioof 1:1 (v/v). The second eluate was then condensed under reducedpressure and freeze-dried to produce an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus, designated as ON-022.

Subsequently, a third eluate was collected by passing through the columnwith two times of the column volume of 95% ethanol solution, after whichit was condensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce an extractof Plectranthus amboinicus, designated as ON-023, i.e. an extractisolated by 50%˜95% ethanol solution.

Further, a fourth eluate was collected by subsequently passing throughthe column with two times of the column volume of ethyl acetate, afterwhich it was condensed under reduced pressure and dried to obtain anextract of Plectranthus amboinicus isolated by ethyl acetate.

Example 3 Extract Isolated by 70%—95% Ethanol Solution

The resulted condensed liquor as prepared in Preliminary Extraction ofExample 1 was separated with a HP-20 column Briefly, the condensedliquor mixed thoroughly with RO water was applied into the column,followed by passing through the column with four times of the columnvolume of RO water to collect a first eluate. Then, a second eluate wascollected by further passing through the column with a solution composedof four times of the column volume of RO water and 95% ethanol solutionin a ratio of 3:7 (v/v). The second eluate was condensed under reducedpressure and freeze-dried to produce an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus, designated as ON-065.

Subsequently, a third eluate was collected by passing through the columnwith four times of the column volume of 95% ethanol solution, afterwhich it was condensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce anextract of Plectranthus amboinicus, designated as ON-066, i.e. anextract isolated by 70%˜95% ethanol solution.

Further, a fourth eluate was collected by subsequently passing throughthe column with four times of the column volume of ethyl acetate, afterwhich it was condensed under reduced pressure and dried to obtain anextract of Plectranthus amboinicus isolated by ethyl acetate.

Example 4 Extract Isolated by Normal Phase Chromatography

Preliminary Extraction:

An appropriate amount of dried Plectranthus amboinicus was extracted in95% ethanol solution to obtain a first filtrate. The first filtrate wasthen filtered to further obtain a residue, which in turn was extractedagain in 95% ethanol solution to obtain a second filtrate. Subsequently,the first and the second filtrates were combined, and condensed underreduced pressure to produce a condensed liquor. Such condensed liquorwas then mixed with Silica Gel, followed by condensation under reducedpressure and dried to produce a crude extract attached to the gel(“CE-gel”).

Column Chromatography:

Silica Gel in a weight equals to that of the dried Plectranthusamboinicus was used to fill the column by use of hexane, after which thefilled column was further covered with the CE-gel prepared as describedabove. Six times of the column volume of hexane was used to elute thecolumn to obtain a first eluate, which was then condensed under reducedpressure and dried to produce an extract of Plectranthus amboinicusisolated by hexane, designated as ON-078.

Subsequently, a second eluate was collected by passing through thecolumn with six times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetatesolution in a ratio of 1:1 (v:v). The resulted second eluate wascondensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus isolated by hexane/ethyl acetate, designated asON-079.

Further, a third eluate was collected by subsequently passing throughthe column with six times of the column volume of ethyl acetate. Theresulted third eluate was condensed under reduced pressure and dried toproduce an extract of Plectranthus amboinicus isolated by ethyl acetate,designated as ON-083.

A fourth eluate was collected by further passing through the column withsix times of the column volume of ethyl acetate/methanol solution in aratio of 1:1 (v/v). The resulted fourth eluate was condensed underreduced pressure and dried to produce an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus isolated by ethyl acetate/methanol, designated as ON-084.

A final eluate was collected by subsequently passing through the columnwith four times of the column volume of methanol. The resulted finaleluate was condensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce anextract of Plectranthus amboinicus isolated by methanol, designated asON-085.

Example 5 Extract Isolated by Normal Phase Chromatography

A column chromatography was carried out as described in Example 4 toobtain ON-078.

Subsequently, a second eluate was collected by passing through thecolumn with two times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetatesolution in a ratio of 1:1 (v:v). The resulted second eluate wascondensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus isolated by hexane/ethyl acetate, designated asON-080.

Further, a third eluate was collected by subsequently passing throughthe column with four times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetatesolution in a ratio of 1:1 (v:v). The resulted third eluate wascondensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus isolated by hexane/ethyl acetate, designated asON-092.

A final eluate was collected by further passing through the column withsix times of the column volume of ethyl acetate. The resulted finaleluate was condensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce anextract of Plectranthus amboinicus isolated by ethyl acetate, designatedas ON-083.

Example 6 Extract Isolated by Normal Phase Chromatography

A column chromatography was carried out as described in Example 4 toobtain ON-078.

Subsequently, a second eluate was collected by passing through thecolumn with two times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetatesolution in a ratio of 1:1 (v:v). The resulted second eluate wascondensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus isolated by hexane/ethyl acetate, designated asON-080.

Further, a third eluate was collected by subsequently passing throughthe column with two times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetatesolution in a ratio of 1:1 (v:v). The resulted third eluate wascondensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus isolated by hexane/ethyl acetate, designated asON-081.

A fourth eluate was collected by subsequently passing through the columnwith two times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetate solution ina ratio of 1:1 (v:v). The resulted fourth eluate was condensed underreduced pressure and dried to produce an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus isolated by hexane/ethyl acetate, designated as ON-082.

A fifth eluate was collected by subsequently passing through the columnwith six times of the column volume of hexane. The resulted fifth eluatewas condensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus isolated by hexane, designated as ON-083.

A sixth eluate was collected by subsequently passing through the columnwith six times of the column volume of hexane/methanol solution in aratio of 1:1 (v:v). The resulted sixth eluate was condensed underreduced pressure and dried to produce an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus isolated by hexane/methanol, designated as ON-084.

A final eluate was collected by further passing through the column withfour times of the column volume of methanol. The resulted final eluatewas condensed under reduced pressure and dried to obtain an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus isolated by methanol, designated as ON-085.

Example 7 Extract Isolated by Normal Phase Chromatography

A column chromatography was carried out as described in Example 4 toobtain ON-078.

Subsequently, a second eluate was collected by passing through thecolumn with six times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetatesolution in a ratio of 9:1 (v:v). A third eluate was collected bypassing through the column with six times of the column volume ofhexane/ethyl acetate solution in a ratio of 1:1 (v:v). The resultedthird eluate was condensed under reduced pressure and dried to producean extract of Plectranthus amboinicus isolated by hexane/ethyl acetate,designated as ON-086.

Example 8 Extract Isolated by Normal Phase Chromatography

A column chromatography was carried out as described in Example 4 toobtain ON-078.

Subsequently, a second eluate was collected by passing through thecolumn with six times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetatesolution in a ratio of 8:2 (v:v). The resulted second eluate wascondensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus isolated by hexane/ethyl acetate, designated asON-087.

A final eluate was collected by subsequently passing through the columnwith six times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetate solution ina ratio of 1:1 (v:v). The resulted final eluate was condensed underreduced pressure and dried to produce an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus, designated as ON-088.

Example 9 Extract Isolated by Normal Phase Chromatography

A column chromatography was carried out as described in Example 4 toobtain ON-078.

Subsequently, a second eluate was collected by passing through thecolumn with six times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetatesolution in a ratio of 7:3 (v:v). The resulted second eluate wascondensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus isolated by hexane/ethyl acetate, designated asON-089.

A final eluate was collected by further passing through the column withsix times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetate solution in aratio of 1:1 (v:v). The resulted final eluate was condensed underreduced pressure and dried to produce an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus, designated as ON-090.

Example 10 Extract Isolated by Normal Phase Chromatography

A column chromatography was carried out as described in Example 4 toobtain ON-078.

Subsequently, a second eluate was collected by passing through thecolumn with six times of the column volume of hexane/ethyl acetatesolution in a ratio of 6:4 (v:v). The resulted second eluate wascondensed under reduced pressure and dried to produce an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus isolated by hexane/ethyl acetate, designated asON-091.

We further analyze the extracts of ON-024 (an extract isolated by 0%—50%ethanol solution), ON-025 (an extract isolated by 50%—95% ethanolsolution), ON-066 (an extract isolated by a 70%—95% ethanol solution),and ON-080 (an extract isolated by a normal phase chromatography) byhigh performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detecting at a wavelengthof 200 nm and 320 nm. As a result, the HPLC pattern of ON-024 was foundto be different to those of ON-025 (an extract isolated by 50%—95%ethanol solution), ON-066 (an extract isolated by 70%—95% ethanolsolution) and ON-080 (an extract isolated by a normal phasechromatography):

(1) The HPLC pattern of ON-024 detected at a wavelength of 200 nm showedsix absorption peaks at retention times of 13, 20, 21, 27, 37 and 39 min(FIG. 1); and that detected at a wavelength of 320 nm showed anabsorption peak of Caffeic acid at retention time of 13 min, anabsorption peak of Rosmarinic acid at 27 min, and an absorption peak at35 min (FIG. 2).(2) The HPLC pattern of ON-025 detected at a wavelength of 200 nm showedan absorption peak at retention time of 45 min, and an absorption peakof Carvacrol at 55 min (FIG. 3); and that detected at a wavelength of320 nm showed eight absorption peaks at retention time of 39-43 min andan absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at 45 min (FIG. 4).(3) The HPLC pattern of ON-066 detected at a wavelength of 200 nm showedan absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at retention time of 45 min and anabsorption peak of Carvacrol at 55 min (FIG. 5); and that detected at awavelength of 320 nm showed an absorption peak of Cirsmaritin atretention time of 45 min and an absorption peak of Salvigenin at 62 min(FIG. 6).(4) The HPLC pattern of ON-080 detected at a wavelength of 200 nm showedan absorption peak of Carvacrol at retention time of 55 min (FIG. 7);and that detected at a wavelength of 320 nm showed three absorptionpeaks at retention time of 18-21 min, three absorption peaks at 37-41min, two absorption peaks at 43-45 min, an absorption peak ofCirsmaritin at 45 min, four absorption peaks at 50-54 min, and anabsorption peak of Salvigenin at 62 min (FIG. 8).

Examples of Efficacy Example 1 Animal Models with Complete Freund'sAdjuvant-Induced Arthritis

Groups of 6 female Lewis rats weighing 170±10 g were used. CompleteFreund's Adjuvant (CFA), a well-ground suspension of killedMycobacterium butyricum (0.3 mg in 0.1 ml of light mineral oil), wasinjected in a single dose into the sub-plantar region of the right hindpaw (denoted Day 1). One hour before the injection of CFA, vehicle (1%carboxymethylcellulose, 10 mL/kg) or the test compounds at 500 mg/kgwere administered to the animals by oral gavage (PO). Theadministrations were carried out twice daily for 5 consecutive days. Thevolumes of the left hind paws were measured by plethysmometer on Day 0(before CFA treatment), Day 14, Day 18, and Day 21. The net swelling ofeach treatment group was then compared to vehicle-treated group andexpressed as percentage of inhibition. An inhibition of 30% or more inpaw volume relative to the vehicle-treated control is consideredsignificant anti-arthritis activity. The extract administered to eachgroup and the corresponding results are also shown in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Inhibition Activity Relative to the Control Group InhibitionRelative to Vehicle Control (%) Treatment Dose Day 14 Day 18 Day 21ON-022 500 mg/kg, bid × 5, PO 12 21 16 ON-023 500 mg/kg, bid × 5, PO 44*  55*  53* ON-024 500 mg/kg, bid × 5, PO 24 15 27 ON-025 500 mg/kg,bid × 5, PO  56*  53*  46* ON-026 500 mg/kg, bid × 5, PO 29 22  3 ON-065500 mg/kg, bid × 5, PO 24 14 23 ON-066 500 mg/kg, bid × 5, PO  45*  42* 48* ON-080 500 mg/kg, bid × 5, PO  36*  42*  42* *indicates significantanti-arthritis activity.

-   -   As shown in Table 1, extracts of the present invention are        enriched with anti-arthritis activity, in particular, the        extracts of ON-023, ON-025, ON-066, and ON-080.

Example 2 Anti-Inflammation Activity

Experiments

(A) Cell Culture

The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the blood of healthyadult donors were diluted and isolated by Ficoll-Paque (FP) gradientcentrifugation (Amersham Biosciences) at 600 g for 30 min at roomtemperature. The isolated PBMCs were washed by phosphate bufferedsaline, re-suspended in 10% heat inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS),and seeded in 96-well culture plate with a density of 2.0×10⁵ cells perwell for assessing the anti-arthritis activity of the extracts asdescribed herein.

(B) Inhibition of PHA-Induced PBMC Proliferation

PHA-induced PBMC proliferation was used as a technical platform for theassessment of anti-inflammation efficacy of various extracts of thepresent invention. Human PBMCs were co-cultured with PHA at a finalconcentration of 5 ng/mL and various extracts of Plectranthus amboinicusat a final concentration of 0˜90 ng/mL for 3 days. PBMCs treated bydexamethasone (DEX) before stimulation by PHA (5 ng/mL) were alsoincluded in the experiment as positive control samples. After cells wereincubated for 3 days at 37° C. with humid air containing 5% CO₂, MTT(methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, MTT) assays were carried out to evaluatethe proliferation rate of PBMCs. PBMCs without PHA treatment were usedas negative control samples. The absorbance of each well was detected bya photoelectric colorimeter at the wavelength of 540 nm. The colorintensity was proportional with the degree of cell proliferation; andtherefore can be used to calculate the inhibition activity of eachextract. Three independent experiments were performed, and the datadetermined by MTT assays were further expressed as IC₅₀.

As shown in Tables 2 and 3, the extracts of Plectranthus amboinicusprovided by the instant invention were all found to be capable ofinhibiting the proliferation of lymphocytes induced by PHA in a dosedependent manner. The cytotoxicity of the extracts to cell (without PHAtreatment) was also determined by MTT assays. As a result, ON-023 (40ng/mL) showed complete inhibition activity to PHA-induced lymphocyteproliferation without cytotoxicity; on the contrary, ON-022 (40 ng/mL)showed only partial inhibition activity (−50%) to PHA-induced lymphocyteproliferation.

TABLE 2 Inhibition of various extracts to PHA-induced PMBC proliferation(data were determined by MTT assays) Concentration of sample (ug/mL)Sample 1.25 2.5 5 10 20 40 Example 2_ON-022 0.589 0.536 0.513 0.5200.511 0.405 Example 2_ON-023 0.649 0.637 0.559 0.533 0.426 0.154 Example1_ON-024 0.651 0.591 0.603 0.576 0.504 0.231 Example 1_ON-025 0.7400.749 0.744 0.703 0.611 0.374 Example 3_ON-065 0.570 0.534 0.518 0.4850.383 0.151 Example 3_ON-065 0.580 0.522 0.457 0.357 0.301 0.190Negative control 0.245 group (without PHA) PHA 0.634 DEX 0.1 uM 0.242

TABLE 3 Inhibition of various extracts to PHA-induced PMBC proliferation(data were determined by MTT assays and expressed as IC₅₀) Sample IC₅₀(ug/ml) ON-022 36.1 ON-023 11.6 ON-024 22.2 ON-025 21.5 ON-065 15.5ON-066 6.1 ON-078 >50 ON-079 <5.6 ON-080 11.6 ON-081 40.7 ON-082 8.5ON-083 >55.5 ON-084 >55.5 ON-085 >55.5 ON-086 32 ON-087 7.1 ON-088 39.3ON-089 14.2 ON-090 27.7 ON-091 12.3

(C) Production and Measurement of PHA-Induced Cytokines

On Day 3, cell supernatant was collected, divided, and stored at −20° C.until analysis. The amounts of TNF-α, interleukin IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-5in the supernatant were measured using Quantikine ELISA kits (R & DSystems, Minneapolis, Minn.) following the manufacturer's instruction.

The levels of cytokines in the culture medium, either releasedspontaneously or induced by PHA, are shown in Table 4. The effect ofeach extract on PHA-induced cytokine production from PBMCs is shown inTables 5-8. These results demonstrated the anti-inflammation effects ofthe extracts of the present invention.

TABLE 4 PHA-induced release of TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ 

 IL-5 (pg/mL) from PBMCs Concentration of Cytokines (pg/mL) TNF-α IL-6IFN-γ IL-5 Control Group (without PHA) 271.6 157 25.0 37.0 PHA 4031.3703.0 176.8 161.9 PHA + 0.1 uM DEX 272.5 157 25 37

TABLE 5 Inhibition of various extracts to PHA-induced TNF-α release fromPBMCs Concentration of Sample (ug/mL) Sample 5 10 20 40 Example 2_ON-0225257.1 4138.9 4129.4 2884.3 Example 2_ON-023 3807.3 2744.9 881.6 126.0Example 1_ON-024 1784.0 1549.2 1048.8 126.0 Example 1_ON-025 3323.63053.3 2872.4 683.9 Example 3_ON-065 1517.4 937.8 251.5 126.0 Example3_ON-065 6090.6 6782.1 4445.6 742.4

TABLE 6 Inhibition of various extracts to PHA-induced IL-6 release fromPBMCs Concentration of Sample (ug/mL) Sample 5 10 20 40 Example 2_ON-022849.2 567.2 511.8 157.0 Example 2_ON-023 804.8 1131.5 788.6 157.0Example 1_ON-024 466.6 498.4 292.6 157.0 Example 1_ON-025 1073.1 1205.51198.0 363.0 Example 3_ON-065 421.7 330.5 390.1 157.0 Example 3_ON-0654407.3 4693.9 2367.7 196.6

TABLE 7 Inhibition of various extracts to PHA-induced IFN-γ release fromPBMCs Concentration of sample (ug/mL) Sample 5 10 20 40 Example 2_ON-022169.3 164.2 259.9 89.6 Example 2_ON-023 42.5 25.0 25.0 25.0 Example1_ON-024 43.8 83.4 25.0 25.0 Example 1_ON-025 143.3 166.1 216.9 25.0Example 3_ON-065 79.0 68.7 25.0 25.0 Example 3_ON-065 667.2 528.2 379.825.0

TABLE 8 Inhibition of various extracts to PHA-induced IL-5 release ofPBMCs Concentration of sample (ug/mL) Sample 5 10 20 40 Example 2_ON-022155.3 156.0 127.6 78.9 Example 2_ON-023 168.5 156.7 115.8 37.0 Example1_ON-024 147.7 140.8 117.9 37.0 Example 1_ON-025 183.1 184.5 228.4 109.5Example 3_ON-065 140.8 112.3 74.0 37.0 Example 3_ON-065 54.4 163.7 185.258.6

What is claimed is:
 1. An extract of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.)Spreng enriching anti-arthritis activity, which is characterized byhaving an absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at retention time of about 45min in a HPLC pattern detected at a wavelength of about 320 nm.
 2. Theextract of claim 1, characterized in that the extract is obtained byeluting the crude extract of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Sprengusing 50%˜95% alcoholic solution.
 3. The extract of claim 2,characterized by having an absorption peak at retention time of about 45min and an absorption peak of Carvacrol at about 55 min in a HPLCpattern detected at a wavelength of about 200 nm; or wherein it ischaracterized by having 8 absorption peaks at retention time of 39-43min and an absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at about 45 min in a HPLCpattern detected at a wavelength of about 320 nm.
 4. The extract ofclaim 2, characterized in that the extract is obtained by eluting thecrude extract of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng using 70%˜95%alcoholic solution.
 5. The extract of claim 4, characterized by havingan absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at retention time of about 45 min andan absorption peak of Carvacrol at about 55 min in a HPLC patterndetected at a wavelength of about 200 nm; or wherein it is characterizedby having an absorption peak of Cirsmaritin at retention time of about45 min and an absorption peak of Salvigenin at about 62 min in a HPLCpattern detected at a wavelength of about 320 nm.
 6. The extract ofclaim 2, wherein the alcoholic solution is ethanol.
 7. The extract ofclaim 4, wherein the alcoholic solution is ethanol.
 8. The extract ofclaim 1, characterized in that the extract is obtained by a normal phasechromatography using hexane as a solvent.
 9. The extract of claim 8,characterized in that the extract is further isolated by a normal phasechromatography using hexane/ethyl acetate as a solvent.
 10. The extractof claim 1, characterized in that the extract is obtained by a normalphase chromatography using hexane as a first solvent and hexane/ethylacetate as a second solvent.
 11. The extract of claim 10, characterizedby having an absorption peak of Carvacrol at retention time of about 55min in a HPLC pattern detected at a wavelength of about 200 nm; orwherein it is characterized by having three absorption peaks atretention time of about 18-21 min, three absorption peaks at 37-41 min,two absorption peaks at 43-45 min, one absorption peak of Cirsmaritin atabout 45 min, four absorption peaks at 50-54 min, and one absorptionpeak of Salvigenin at about 62 min in a HPLC pattern detected at awavelength of about 320 nm.
 12. A method for preparing an extract ofPlectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng enriching anti-arthritis activitycomprising: extracting the plant or dried powder of Plectranthusamboinicus (Lour.) Spreng in a solvent to obtain a crude extract, andeluting the resulted crude extract by 50%˜95% alcoholic solution toisolate an extract enriching anti-arthritis activity.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the resulted crude extract is eluted by 70%˜95%alcoholic solution.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the resultedcrude extract is eluted by 95% alcoholic solution.
 15. The method as inclaim 12, wherein the alcoholic solution is ethanol.
 16. The method asin claim 13, wherein the alcoholic solution is ethanol.
 17. The methodas in claim 14, wherein the alcoholic solution is ethanol.
 18. A methodfor preparing an extract of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Sprengenriching anti-arthritis activity comprising: extracting the plant ordried herb of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng in a solvent toobtain a crude extract, and eluting the resulted crude extract by anormal phase chromatography using hexane as a solvent to isolate anextract enriching anti-arthritis activity.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein an extract enriching anti-arthritis activity is further isolatedby a normal phase chromatography using hexane/ethyl acetate as asolvent.
 20. A method for preparing an extract of Plectranthusamboinicus (Lour.) Spreng enriching anti-arthritis activity comprising:extracting the plant or dried herb of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.)Spreng in a solvent to obtain a crude extract, and eluting the resultedcrude extract by a normal phase chromatography using hexane as a firstsolvent and hexane/ethyl acetate as a second solvent to isolate anextract enriching anti-arthritis activity.
 21. A method for preventingor treating arthritis comprising administrating to a subject in needthereof an effective amount of the extract as defined in claim
 1. 22. Amethod for preventing or treating arthritis comprising administrating toa subject in need thereof an effective amount of the extract as definedin claim
 11. 23. A method for preventing or treating arthritiscomprising administrating to a subject in need thereof an effectiveamount of the extract prepared by the method of claim
 12. 24. Apharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating arthritiscomprising a therapeutically effective amount of the extract as definedin claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 25. Apharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating arthritiscomprising a therapeutically effective amount of the extract as definedin claim 11, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 26. Apharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating arthritiscomprising a therapeutically effective amount of the extract prepared bythe method of claim 12, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.